Transmission, Rear End and Trim tag

[Mark's 68 L78 RS SS]

I recently bought a 68 sold as an RS SS, L78 block, M22 numbers matching car.  The engine is indeed an L78 numbers matching with what certainly appears to be the original block stamping (correct broach marks and fonts).  I am not so sure about the tramsmission and rear end and I am also not sure I understand the trim tag.  The VIN is 124378L344764.  There is no build sheet or POP.

The transmission has a date code of B8R30 and has the correct VIN though this could have been restamped.  Haven't had it out of the car and had to use a mirror to see the VIN code.  Is this a correct date?  This transmission has three drain plugs, two on the side and one on the bottom.  Is this an M22?

The rear end stamping is BW1101G2 which I believe is the code for a 456 rear end.  Interesting that the date code is within a day of the transmission date code if I decoded correctly, but it seems that both are a little too early for what I think is the June build of the car.

The trim tag reads:  ST 68 12437 LOS 43226 BDY
                            TR 749         Z-Z PNT
                            ACC  (What does the ACC mean?)

I am just learning about all the codes and everything and am liking the car more and more as I look into it.  The underside is very clean with no rust as it lived in the high desert out in Nevada.  Can anyone provide input on the codes please?  Also, if this is a true RS SS with a numbers matching L78 block, M22 tranny and a 456 rear end wouldn't this be a fairly rare combination?

I have a lot of pictures but am not sure if they are to big for down loading here.

Thanks for the help.  You guys on this site are great.

[Z71]

ACC stands for ACCESSORY

[firstgenaddict]

Yes that would be pretty rare... 4.56 rear would have been special order... obviously destined for serious street racing or the drag strip.

[Mark's 68 L78 RS SS]

Yes it makes sense that ACC stands for Accessory, but what does that mean in terms of the car?  Is this what signifies a true RS SS, or what?  I know there is not much documentation for first gen Camaros, especially 68's, but is there a way to tell what this car was originally?  Also, why does the trim tag say ACC and not have any other X code like I see on other cars?

I'm so confused and I just want to understand what the car was originally, and if that coincides with what the car is now.  I do know it was definitely a big block car from the factory, and it appears to be original, it's just that there is that small percentage of doubt that I would like to eliminate.

Thanks

[KurtS]

Mark,
I had it noted that your car had a 3.73 gear. I don't think that trans and rear are close enough to be original. I take it the trans code is P8R30, not B8R30.

Can you send me a pic of the tag?

[Z71]

X?? code was '69 Norwood only cars

ACC alone means absolutely nothing..

[Mark's 68 L78 RS SS]

Kurt:

Wow, you have good records or recollection.  The previous owner acknowledges that he replaced the 4.56 gears with 3.73.  The original was the 4.56  I am totally okay with that as long as I know what the original was.  Actually I prefer 3.73 for more regular driving.  I don't have a real good pic of the cowl tag but will send you what I have later this evening.  I do have a drawing of it that the appraiser I had look at the car in Nevada drew up.  I can send that as well.

Mike, if ACC doesn't mean anything then why is it there?  Maybe the powers at GM put it there just to throw us off lol. 

[Mark's 68 L78 RS SS]

There is some more information.  The numbers above the ST 68 read 06C and P074, so the trim tag reads:

                            06C                         P074
                            ST 68 12437 LOS 43226 BDY
                            TR 749         Z-Z PNT
                            ACC

Hope this helps.

Mark

[Z71]

Mike, if ACC doesn't mean anything then why is it there?

I looking at several 1968 LA Camaro tags and none have the ACC on the bottom of the tag. There is no room for it.

 I would like to see a photo of that tag. 

Is is a repro tag?

[ccargo]

Here's a tag from a LOS BB I owned at one time. It is very close the your cars body # and most likely built the same day or so. I'd like to see where the ACC is located on your tag  The car sounds interesting.

[Mark's 68 L78 RS SS]

Interesing that your car is indeed built in at least the same week if not the same day.  Very cool.  Do you know what the P074 on the top right of my trim tag and the P290 at the top right of your trim tag mean?

The ACC is right under the code for the trim.  I can't see it too clearly on your pic but it looks like your trim code is 716.  Mine is 749 and the ACC is directly under that.  i spoke with Bob at Camaro Specialties and he tells me he has seen this code on several other cars built in LA.  he doesn't know what it means either and he is extremely knowledgeable (sp?) on Camaros.  This has been his business for 20 years.

The picture I have of my trim tag is not very clear and is over 300 mb in size so is too big to down load here.  I may be able to get a picture of it tomorrow and will post or send to who ever wants to see it.

Thanks

[Z71]

P074 and P290 are date scheduling codes.  Each letter represets a production day of the month  and the number represents the car.

VN work code

Xyyy
X = Letter A-Z
Yyy=sequential numbers

P074

P – Work day of month
074 – Car built number for the day, Note-Across all makes/models built at VN (note-take from 1-3 days to final completion of car)

How can ACC fit under the trim code, there is no room on the tag???

[Mark's 68 L78 RS SS]

I will double check the tag tomorrow to make sure the ACC is correct.  I know the numbers are right and I need to verify the ACC.  When I bought the car I had it delivered straight to the resto shop for some additional work and it is two and a half hours away from me so I can't see it every day.  Another week and it will be in my garage. I can't wait.

[Rich]

The ACC tags were pre-1964 vintage tags applied to 68s that were not warranted to be in compliance with FMVSS.  These included some export cars, as well as the like of Yenkos.   See the last sentence of the first paragraph below.

http://www.camaros.org/numbers.shtml#CowlTag

Rich

[Mark's 68 L78 RS SS]

Rich:

Wow, I am impressed by the research!  Too bad I must report that there is no ACC designation on my trim tag.  I was incorrect.  My trim tag is a normal tag for a Los Angeles built car and I have now decoded it properly.  What I do know is that to the best of my knowledge my car is an original 1968 L78 block RS SS, British Green with Black and white hounds tooth deluxe interior.  It has the original numbers matching (not restamped) engine and M22 transmission with a 12 bolt rear end that was originally a 4.56 ratio and has been changed to 3.73.  The car was repainted black about 7 years ago and the whole car was blacked out.  I am replacing the badging and having the correct D90 stripe put back on.

I appreciate everyone's help and apologize for the incorrect information on the ACC designation.  I am just learning so be patient with me.

Mark